关节镜下前交叉韧带袖套状保残重建的疗效研究

目的 探讨关节镜下前交叉韧带（anterior crueiate ligament,ACL）袖套状保残重建术的临床疗效。方法 回顾性分析我科2018年3月至2020年1月行关节镜下ACL袖套状保残重建术治疗的30例病人,其中男17例,女13例;年龄为17~43岁。术前及术后2、6、12个月分别采用Lachman试验和前抽屉试验评估膝关节的稳定性;记录Lysholm评分和Tegner运动功能评分,术后12个月时行患膝MRI检查评估重建的ACL。结果 病人随访（14.53±2.48）个月（12~18个月）。术中未出现神经血管损伤病人,术后未出现伤口感染及固定排异反应。术后门诊随访时,前抽屉试验及Lachman试验均为阴性。术后12个月Lysholm评分为（95.5±6.6）分,显著高于术前的（37.9±7.3）分;Tegner功能评分为（6.4±0.8）分,显著高于术前的（1.9±0.5）分,差异均有统计学意义（t=41.482,P＜0.001;t=25.819,P＜0.001）。术后12个月复查MRI显示ACL显影良好。结论 关节镜下ACL袖套状保残重建术安全、微创、并发症少,术后能早期改善病人膝关节功能,值得临床推广。     

应用标准化视频指导ACL重建术后病人康复的效果评价

目的 探讨标准化康复视频在前交叉韧带（anterior cruciate ligament, ACL）重建术后病人功能锻炼中的指导效果。方法 以2015年2月至2016年10月于我科就诊的130例ACL重建术病人为研究对象,按照入院时间将其分为两组,观察组62例病人,术后应用我科制作的标准化视频指导康复;对照组68例病人,术后按照传统的方法,提供书面康复训练计划指导病人康复,比较两组病人的住院时间、膝关节Lysholm功能评分及康复知识熟练掌握率、术后锻炼依从率、住院满意率等指标。结果 观察组病人的康复知识熟练掌握率、术后锻炼依从率、住院满意率分别为95.1%、95.1%、100.0%,显著高于对照组（64.7%、61.7%、79.1%）;观察组的住院时间为（6.8±1.8） d,较对照组的（9.2±2.3） d显著下降;观察组术后6个月的膝关节Lysholm功能评分为（90.2±3.5）分,较对照组的（70.8±2.8）分显著升高。上述指标组间比较的差异均有统计学意义（P均＜0.001）。结论 使用标准化康复视频指导ACL重建术后病人功能锻炼能显著提高病人对于康复知识的熟练程度及康复锻炼依从性,有利于提升住院满意度,有效缩短住院时间,快速恢复病人膝关节功能。     

虚拟现实技术结合等速肌力训练对前交叉韧带重建术后患者的临床疗效观察

目的:探究虚拟现实技术结合等速肌力训练在前交叉韧带(anterior cruciate ligament,ACL)重建术后患者康复中的应用价值和效果。方法:选取2021年12月至2023年1月就诊的ACL重建术后12周的患者40例,按照治疗方法不同分为对照组和观察组。对照组20例,男15例,女5例;年龄17~44(29.10±8.60)岁;采用常规康复训练结合等速肌力训练。观察组20例,男16例,女4例;年龄17~45(30.95±9.11)岁;采用虚拟现实技术结合等速肌力训练。比较两组患者术后12周(训练前)、术后16周(训练后)的Lysholm膝关节评分、膝关节伸峰力矩和屈峰力矩。结果:所有患者获得随访,时间1~6(3.30±1.42)个月。训练前两组Lysholm膝关节评分、膝关节伸峰力矩和屈峰力矩比较,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05)。训练后两组Lysholm膝关节评分、膝关节伸峰力矩和屈峰力矩均较训练前改善(P＜0.05);组间比较,观察组Lysholm膝关节评分、膝关节伸峰力矩和屈峰力矩评分均较对照组高(P＜0.05)。结论:应用虚拟现实技术结合等速肌力训练能更好地促进ACL重建术后患者的膝关节功能恢复,增强肌力。     

射频治疗对关节镜下半月板部分切除术早期疗效的影响

目的 探讨半月板部分切除术后使用射频汽化修整残留半月板对病人术后膝关节预后的影响。方法 前瞻性地纳入60例病人,随机分为两组,观察组（26例）病人采用膝关节镜下半月板部分切除+射频修整术,对照组病人（34例）采用膝关节镜下单纯半月板部分切除术。对比两组病人术后48 h伤口引流量及疼痛视觉模拟量表（visual analogue scale, VAS）评分;采用膝关节Lysholm评分标准评估膝关节功能,记录并比较两组病人术前及术后6个月随访时的Lysholm评分。结果 观察组和对照组病人的术后引流量分别为（51.15±22.69） ml、（63.24±23.45） ml,VAS评分分别为（1.45±0.50）分、（1.62±0.55）分,两组间比较,差异均无统计学意义（t=0.264,P=0.610;t=0.259,P=0.613）;所有入组病人术后的Lysholm评分为（91.58±5.78）分,均优于术前的（73.53±4.52）分,差异有统计学意义（t=8.012,P=0.005）;观察组及对照组术后的Lysholm评分分别为（90.00±5.54）分、（92.79±5.75）分,差异无统计学意义（t=0.219,P=0.641）。结论 关节镜下行半月板部分切除术的出血量与使用射频汽化仪无关,无论是否使用射频汽化修整残留半月板,病人术后膝关节的功能都能得到较好的恢复。     

早期或晚期行关节镜下前交叉韧带重建的临床疗效对比

目的 对比早期或晚期行关节镜下前交叉韧带（anterior cruciate ligament, ACL）重建的临床疗效。方法 选取2015年1月至2016年11月在我院进行关节镜下单束自体腘绳肌腱重建手术治疗ACL的34例病人进行回顾性分析。其中伤后2周内进行重建手术治疗的17例纳入早期重建组,伤后2~6个月内进行重建治疗的17例纳入晚期重建组,对比两组病人的术后疼痛消除时间、肿胀消除时间和关节恢复正常活动的时间等一般临床指标,收集并比较其术前和术后18个月的Lysholm评分、术前国际膝关节文献委员会（the international knee documentation committee, IKDC）膝关节评分。结果 两组病人的手术时间、术中出血量比较,差异均无统计学意义（P均＞0.05）;早期重建组的术后疼痛消除时间、肿胀消除时间和关节恢复正常活动时间分别为（34.06±3.27） d、（13.71±2.36） d和（50.18±4.65） d,均显著高于晚期重建组的[（25.29±3.96） d、（9.29±2.91） d和（33.41±3.48） d]差异均有统计学意义（t=7.033,t=4.850,t=1.892,P均＜0.001）;术后18个月,早期重建组的Lysholm评分和IKDC评分分别为（89.00±5.83）分、（90.06±5.03）分,与晚期重建组的（90.94±5.55）分、（91.47±4.23）分相比,差异均无统计学意义（P均＞0.05）,且两组病人Lysholm量表各单项评分之间的差异也无统计学意义（P均＞0.05）。结论 早期或晚期关节镜下单束自体腘绳肌腱重建手术治疗膝关节ACL损伤的近期临床疗效相近,但晚期重建治疗病人的术后恢复较快。     

关节镜下双隧道技术不可吸收缝线固定治疗前交叉韧带胫骨止点撕脱骨折

目的 探讨关节镜下运用双隧道技术不可吸收缝线固定治疗前交叉韧带（anterior cruciate ligament, ACL）胫骨止点撕脱骨折的临床疗效。方法 回顾性分析我院2015年5月至2017年6月采用关节镜下双隧道技术不可吸收缝线固定治疗ACL胫骨止点撕脱骨折10例,收集手术时间、术中出血量、前抽屉试验及Lachman试验情况;比较其手术前后的国际膝关节文献委员会（the international knee documentation committee, IKDC）膝关节评分及Lysholm膝关节功能评分;通过X线片评价骨折复位及愈合情况。结果 本组病人术后均未出现严重并发症,前抽屉试验及Lachman试验均为阴性。术后随访12~24个月,平均17.7个月。末次随访时的Lysholm评分和IKDC评分分别为（86.60±5.10）分、（88.40±5.76）分,均较术前显著提高,差异具有统计学意义（t=18.515,P＜0.001;t=20.672,P＜0.001）;复查X线片示骨折复位及愈合满意。结论 关节镜下运用双隧道技术不可吸收缝线固定治疗ACL胫骨止点撕脱骨折,可有效恢复膝关节稳定性,疗效满意。     

复位固定联合韧带修复治疗伴内侧髌股韧带及骨软骨损伤的创伤性髌骨脱位

目的 分析采用可吸收棒复位固定膝关节骨软骨骨折联合内侧髌股韧带（medial patellofemoral ligament, MPFL）修复治疗伴有MPFL及骨软骨损伤的创伤性髌骨脱位的临床效果。方法 对2013年1月至2017年1月我院收治81例伴有MPFL及膝关节骨软骨损伤的创伤性髌骨脱位病人进行回顾性分析,其中男29例,女52例;年龄为16~33岁（平均17.7岁）。采用膝关节骨软骨骨折固定联合MPFL修复治疗的65例纳入固定修复组,采用膝关节骨软骨骨折清理联合MPFL修复治疗的16例纳入清理修复组。收集两组病人术后的膝关节功能障碍、再脱位的发生率及膝关节疼痛情况等,并比较两组病人术前及术后1年的国际膝关节文献委员会（the international knee documentation committee, IKDC）膝关节评分和Lysholm评分。结果 81例病人平均随访28.6个月。固定修复组出现2例（2/65,3.08%）术后膝关节功能障碍,3例（3/65,4.62%）再脱位;清理修复组有1例（1/16,6.25%）再脱位,4例（4/16,25.00%）膝前疼痛。固定修复组的IKDC评分由术前的（43.1±13.2）分提高到术后的（83.8±6.3）分,Lysholm评分由术前的（48.3±6.2）分提高到术后的（87.1±9.8）分;清理修复组的IKDC得分由术前的（42.3±9.8）分提高到术后的（80.2±3.2）分,Lysholm评分由术前的（49.5±5.4）分提高到术后的（81.3±5.4）分。两组手术前后的IKDC、Lysholm评分差异均有统计学意义（P均＜0.05）,但两组间的IKDC、Lysholm评分差异均无统计学意义（P均＞0.05）。结论 可吸收棒复位固定骨软骨骨折联合MPFL修复是治疗伴有MPFL及膝关节骨软骨损伤的创伤性髌骨脱位的有效方法。     

关节镜下四方位微骨道双Orthocord线固定治疗前交叉韧带胫骨止点撕脱骨折

目的 评价关节镜下利用Orthocord缝线经胫骨四方位2 mm微型骨道缝合治疗膝关节前交叉韧带（anterior cruciate ligament,ACL）胫骨止点撕脱骨折的临床疗效。方法 本研究是一项前瞻性研究,选择我院2019年7月至2021年7月收治的23例ACL胫骨止点撕脱骨折病人作为观察对象,采用关节镜下Orthocord缝线经胫骨微型骨道内固定术治疗。末次随访时对所有病人进行膝关节Lachman试验、抽屉试验、轴移试验检查,通过Lysholm膝关节评分量表及国际膝关节评分委员会（International Knee Documentation Committee,IKDC）2000膝关节功能主观评估表量化评估术后膝关节功能。结果 23例病人术后切口均一期愈合,术后3个月骨折达到临床愈合标准。末次随访时2例轴移试验（+）,1例Lachman试验（+）,1例前抽屉试验（+）,其余病人检查结果均为阴性;末次随访时病人关节活动度由术前的49.37°±7.69°提高到末次随访时的126.38°±5.58°,Lysholm评分由术前的（29.39±6.35）分提高至（72.78±13.16）分,IKDC主观评分由术前的（29.13±7.45）分提高至（55.04±10.29）分,术前与末次随访时比较,差异均有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。结论 关节镜下经2 mm骨道Orthocord线缝合固定ACL止点的方法,不仅固定牢固,而且不需二次手术取出内固定物,是有效的治疗方法。     

关节镜下骨隧道缝线固定与空心螺钉固定治疗胫骨髁间棘骨折的疗效对比

目的 观察并比较关节镜下骨隧道缝线固定与空心螺钉固定治疗胫骨髁间棘骨折的临床疗效。方法 对2009年1月至2013年11月期间中国人民解放军武汉总医院通过关节镜手术治疗胫骨髁间棘骨折并获得随访的62例病人的临床资料进行回顾性分析,根据手术固定方法不同分为骨隧道缝线固定组（28例）和螺钉固定组（34例）。比较两组的平均手术时间、膝关节屈伸活动度;采用Lysholm膝关节评分量表、2000国际膝关节评分委员会（International Knee Documentation Committee, IKDC）膝关节主观评价问卷对膝关节功能进行评价;采用轴移试验、Lachman试验评价膝关节稳定性;标准膝关节正侧位X线片评价骨折愈合情况。结果 随访12~32个月,平均16.5个月,两组的平均手术时间相近,且术后病人均未出现膝关节屈伸活动受限。缝线固定组手术前后的Lysholm评分分别为（50.46±4.59）分、（92.25±2.82）分,2000 IKDC膝关节主观评分由术前的（49.29±8.49）分提高到术后的（90.86±3.38）分;螺钉固定组手术前后的Lysholm评分分别为（49.06±3.85）分、（91.76±7.34）分,2000 IKDC膝关节主观评分由术前的（47.00±8.31）分提高到术后的（90.29±2.78）分;术后评分均明显优于术前,差异均有统计学意义（t=-38.802,t=-21.730,t=-44.723,t=-28.102,P均＜0.001）,但两组组间比较,差异均无统计学意义（P均＞0.05）。两组术后轴移试验结果均为阴性,Lachman试验结果差异无统计学意义（χ²=0.033,P=0.856）。病人末次随访时均达到骨性愈合,未发现骨赘形成及髁间窝撞击表现。结论 关节镜下采用骨隧道缝线固定或空心螺钉固定治疗胫骨髁间棘骨折均可获得牢靠固定,临床疗效理想,骨隧道缝线固定法在处理粉碎骨折及合并半月板损伤的手术操作方面更具优势。     

Legion工具在Genesis Ⅱ膝关节假体置换术中的应用

目的 探讨在初次人工全膝关节置换术（total knee arthroplasty, TKA）中应用Legion工具完成Genesis Ⅱ膝关节假体置换术的可行性及临床意义。方法 将中国人民解放军总医院第一医学中心收治的60例单侧内翻型初次TKA病人按随机数字表法分成Legion工具组及Genesis工具组,所有病人均采用Genesis Ⅱ假体,分别采用对应的工具为两组病人完成手术。对病人术前及术后的美国膝关节协会评分（Knee Society Scores, KSS）、最大屈曲角度、术后人工关节被遗忘指数（Forgotten Joint Scores, FJS）及影像学指标进行对比分析。结果 两组病人均获得1年随访,未出现切口相关并发症;术后3个月Legion工具组KSS临床评分及功能评分均高于Genesis工具组［（81.55±4.81）分 vs. （79.05±4.10）分,t=2.165,P=0.035;（84.89±4.60）分 vs. （81.33±5.14）分,t=2.820,P=0.007）］,术后12个月两组KSS评分的差异无统计学意义;术后12个月Legion工具组FJS评分优于Genesis工具组［（94.03±6.50）分 vs. （89.62±6.10）分,t=2.706,P=0.009）］,病人膝关节最大屈曲角度较Genesis工具组大（123.48°±7.63° vs. 108.19°±9.12°,t=2.436,P=0.018）。结论 使用Legion工具行Genesis Ⅱ置换术,可以发挥其简单、精准、微创、个性化的特点,获得更好的临床疗效。     

Vasopressor hormone response following mesenteric traction during major abdominal surgery

Background : We investigated the vasopressor hormone response following mesenteric traction (MT) with hypotension due to prostacyclin (PGI₂) release in patients undergoing abdominal surgery with a combined general and epidural anesthesia. Methods : In a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study we administered 400 mg ibuprofen (i.v.) in 42 patients scheduled for abdominal surgery. General anesthesia was combined with epidural anesthesia (T4-L1). Before as well as 5, 15, 30, 45, and 90 min after MT we recorded plasma osmolality, hemodynamics and measured 6-keto-PGFlα (stabile metabolite of PGI₂), TXB₂ (stabile metabolite of thromboxane A₂) active renin, and arginine vasopressin (AVP) plasma concentrations by radioimmunoassay. Catecholamine levels were assessed by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) with electrochemical detection. Results : Following MT, arterial hypotension occurred along with a substantial PGI₂ release. This was completely abolished by ibuprofen administration. Although plasma levels of 6-keto-PGF_1α (1133 (708) vs. 60 (3) ng/L, median (median absolute deviation), P=0.0001, placebo vs. ibuprofen) remained significantly elevated, blood pressure was restored within 30 min after MT in the placebo group. At the same point in time plasma concentrations of TXB² (164 (87) vs. 58 (1) ng/L, P=0.0001), epinephrine (46 (33) vs. 14 (6) ng/L, P=0.001), AVP (41 ± (18) vs. 12 (7) ng/L, P=0.0004), and active renin (27 (12) vs. 12 (4) ng/L, P = 0.001) were significantly higher in placebo-treated patients. Conclusion : Under combined general and epidural anesthesia arterial hypotension following MT due to endogenous PGI₂ release is associated with enhanced release of AVP, active renin, epinephrine and thromboxane A₂, presumably contributing to hemodynamic stability within 30 min after MT.     

A comparison of the inhibitory effects of four volatile anaesthetics on the metabolism of chlorzoxazone, a substrate for CYP2E1, in rabbits

Background: Halothane inhibits in vitro and in vivo activity of cytochrome P-450 (CYP) 2E1. There are several fluorinated volatile anaesthetics besides halothane, and most of them are defluorinated by CYP2E1. It is unclear whether other fluorinated anaesthetics inhibit the in vivo activity of CYP2E1.
Methods: We compared the inhibitory effects of therapeutic concentrations of four inhalational anaesthetics, halothane, enflurane, isoflurane, and sevoflurane, on chlorzoxazone metabolism in rabbits receiving artificial ventilation.
Results: All four inhalational anaesthetics decreased arterial blood pressure and increased plasma chlorzoxazone concentration. However, no significant differences in the plasma chlorzoxazone concentration were found between the four anaesthetics. The estimated chlorzoxazone clearance increased after beginning inhalation with all four agents, but no significant difference in clearance was noted between agents.
Conclusions: At therapeutic concentrations, the in vivo inhibitory effect on chlorzoxazone metabolism was similar for all four inhalational anaesthetics examined, even though their chemical characteristics and extent of hepatic metabolism differ considerably.     

Microspheres Based Detoxification System: A New Method in Convective Blood Purification

Abstract: A variety of protein-bound or hydrophobic substances, accumulating as a result of pathologic conditions such as exogenous or endogenous intoxications, are removed poorly by conventional detoxification methods because of low accessibility (hemodialysis), insufficient adsorption capabilities (hemosorption), low efficiency (peritoneal dialysis), or economic limitations (high-volume plasmapheresis). Combining advantages of existing methods with microspheric technology, a module-based system was designed. Major operating parameters of the latter can be modified to allow for adjustment to individual clinical situations. An extracorporeal blood circuit including a plasmafilter is combined with a secondary high-velocity plasma circuit driven by a centrifugal pump. Different microspheric adsorbers can be combined in one circuit or applied in sequence. Thus, a prolonged treatment can be tailored using specially designed selective adsorber materials. Comparing this system with existing methods (high-flux hemodialysis, molecular adsorbent recycling system), results from our in vitro studies and animal experiments demonstrate the superior efficiency of substance removal.     

Bariatric Surgery in Some "Central and East-European (former Eastern bloc)"Countries - Current Status and Prediction for the Next Millennium

Background: Obesity is increasing globallly, including in the formerly "Eastern Bloc" countries. Methods: A survey was made of obesity and bariatric surgery. Results: In the 8 East and Central European countries studied, with total population 300 million, roughly 43% of the population was overweight (BMI 25-30), 23% obese (BMI > 30), with about 15 million people morbidly obese (BMI > 40). From 0-10 morbidly obese individuals/100,000/year undergo bariatric surgery. Conclusion: Most countries were found to provide inadequate treatment for obesity.The majority of the morbidly obese are not treated effectively. However, health-care awareness of obesity and bariatric surgeons are slowly increasing.     

Is the recovery profile of mivacurium independent of the rate of decay of its plasma concentration in patients with normal plasma cholinesterase activity?

Background: The duration of action of muscle relaxants is poorly correlated to the rate of decay of their plasma concentration. The plasma concentration of mivacurium may rapidly decrease below its active concentration because of the extensive hydrolysis of mivacurium. By inflating a tourniquet on one upper limb for 3 min after the administration of atracurium, mivacurium or vecuronium, we studied the influence of the initial decline of their plasma concentration on their effect. Methods: In 50 patients anaesthetised with thiopental, isoflurane and fentanyl, the effect of bolus doses of 0.15 or 0.25 mg . kg^?1 mivacurium (MIV 15, MIV 25), 0.3 or 0.5 mg . kg^?1 atracurium (ATR 30, ATR 50) and 0.06 or 0.1 mg . kg^?1 vecuronium (VEC 06, VEC 10) were measured on both arms (evoked response of the adductor pollicis to train-of-four stimulation every 12 s), a tourniquet being applied on one arm just before and during 3 min after the muscle relaxant bolus. Results: Tourniquet inflation of 3 min almost abolished the neuromuscular effect of mivacurium. In the vecuronium groups and in the ATR 50 group, tourniquet inflation did not modify the maximum degree of depression of the twitch response. Also, the duration of action of vecuronium was unaffected by the tourniquet. In the ATR 30 group, times to return of the twitch response to 25% (duration 25%) and 75% (duration 75%) of control response were significantly shorter in the cuffed arm, 23 min vs 27 min, and 41 min vs 45 min, respectively. In the ATR 50 group, only duration 25% was significantly shorter in the cuffed arm (41 min vs 45 min). Conclusion: The results suggest that the rate of decline of the plasma concentration of mivacurium is so rapid, that a very low and almost clinically ineffective concentration is present as soon as 3 min after its administration. The results also indicate that the recovery from a mivacurium-induced neuromuscular blockade is not influenced by the rate of decay of its plasma concentration in patients with genotypically normal plasma cholinesterase.     

Membranes in Artificial Organs

Abstract: Membrane processes play a pivotal and enabling role in modern replacement therapy for acute and chronic organ failure and in the management of immunologic diseases. In fact, virtually all contemporary extracorporeal blood purification methods employ membrane devices, and the next generation of artificial organs and tissue engineering therapies are almost certain to be similarly grounded in membrane technology. In this short essay, we comment on the similarities and differences among synthetic membranes and their natural counterparts and also provide a critical overview of the demographics and technology of hemodialysis, hemofiltration, apheresis, oxygenation, and emerging membrane technologies and applications.     

Influence of dopexamine hydrochloride on haemodynamics and regulators of circulation in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery

Background: Catecholaminergic support is often used to improve haemodynamics in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. Dopexamine is a synthetic vasoactive catecholamine with beneficial microcirculatory properties. Methods: The influence of perioperative administration of dopexamine on cardiorespiratory data and important regulators of macro- and microcirculation were studied in 30 patients undergoing Whipple pancreaticduodenectomy. The patients received randomized and blinded either 2 μg · kg^?1 · min^?1 of dopexamine (n=15) or placebo (n=15, control group). The infusion was started after induction of anaesthesia and continued until the morning of the first postoperative day. Endothelin-1 (ET-1), vasopressin, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), and catecholamine plasma levels were measured from arterial blood samples. Measurements were carried out after induction of anaesthesia, 2 h after onset of surgery, at the end of surgery, 2 h after surgery, and on the morning of the first postoperative day. Results: Cardiac index (CI) increased significantly in the dopexamine group (from 2.61±0.41 to 4.57±0.78 1 · min^?1 · m^?2) and remained elevated until the morning of the first postoperative day. Oxygen delivery index (DO₂I) and oxygen consumption index (VO₂I) were also significantly increased in the dopexamine group (DO₂I: from 416±91 to 717±110 ml/m² · m²; VO₂I: from 98±25 to 157±22 ml/m² · m²), being significantly higher than in the control group. pHi remained stable only in the dopexamine patients, indicating adequate splanchnic perfusion. Vasopressive regulators of circulation increased significantly only in the untreated control patients (vasopressin: from 4.37±1.1 to 35.9±12.1 pg/ml; ET-1: from 2.88±0.91 to 6.91±1.20 pg/ml). Conclusion: Patients undergoing major abdominal surgery may profit from prophylactic perioperative administration of dopexamine hydrochloride in the form of improved haemodynamics and oxygenation as well as beneficial influence on important regulators of organ blood flow.     

Synergistic interaction between the effects of propofol and midazolam with fentanyl on phrenic nerve activity in rabbits

Background: It has been shown that the depressive effects of both propofol and midazolam on consciousness are synergistic with opioids, but the nature of their interactions on other physiological systems, e. g. respiration, has not been fully investigated. The present study examined the effect of propofol and midazolam alone and in combination with fentanyl on phrenic nerve activity (PNA) and whether such interactions are additive or synergistic. Methods: PNA was recorded in 27 anaesthetised and artificially ventilated rabbits. In three groups, propofol, fentanyl and midazolam were administered intravenously in incremental doses to construct dose-response curves for the depressant effects of each one on PNA. In another two groups, the effect of pretreatment with either fentanyl 1 μg · kg^?1 i. v. or midazolam 0.05 mg · kg^?1 i. v. on the effects of propofol and fentanyl respectively on PNA were studied. Results: Propofol and fentanyl caused a dose-dependent depression of PNA with complete abolition at the highest total doses of 16 mg · kg^?1 i. v. and 32 μg · kg^?1 i. v., respectively. In contrast, midazolam in incremental doses to a total of 0.8 mg · kg^?1 reduced mean PNA by 63%, but approximately 12% of PNA remained at a total dose as high as 6.4 mg · kg^?1. The mean ED₅₀s, calculated from dose-response curves, were 5.4 mg · kg^?1, 3.9 μg · kg^?1 and 0.4 mg · kg^?1 for propofol, fentanyl and midazolam, respectively. Initial doses of either fentanyl 1 μg · kg^?1 i. v. or midazolam 0.05 mg · kg^?1 i. v. acted synergistically with subsequent doses of either propofol or fentanyl to abolish PNA at total doses of 8 mg · kg^?1 and 8 μg · kg^?1, respectively. Conclusion: Fentanyl has a synergistic interaction with both propofol and midazolam on PNA and hence potentially on respiration.     

Intrathecal administration of sameridine to patients subjected to arthroscopic knee joint surgery

Background: Sameridine, a new substance with both local anesthetic and opioid effects, was administered intrathecally for the first time to humans, i. e. in patients subjected to arthroscopic knee joint surgery.
Method: A dose-escalating (10, 15, 20 and 25 mg), open study was performed in 33 patients. Only two patients were included in the 25 mg group.
Results: Sameridine provided good quality of surgical anesthesia in all patients except those receiving 10 mg. The maximum level of sensory block, Th5–Th7, was reached within 30 min with a median duration of 3.6–3.9 h. The motor block was more profound with increasing dose, but never lasted longer than the sensory block. The influence on heart rate and blood pressure was minor and atropine and ephedrine were needed in four patients. No clinically significant ECG-changes were detected and no arrhythmias were recorded. Oxygen saturation and respiratory rate did not decrease in a clinically significant way and were not affected by concomitant morphine given i. v. postoperatively. There were few side-effects, the most frequent being mild pruritus (10/33).
Conclusion: Sameridine provided clinically adequate anesthesia for the patients receiving the doses of 15, 20 and 25 mg. Further studies are needed to evaluate the substance and it is of great interest to clinically investigate the opioid component with respect to postoperative analgesia.     

Reduction of Plasma Fibrinogen, Immunoglobulin G, and Immunoglobulin M Concentrations by Immunoadsorption Therapy with Tryptophan and Phenylalanine Adsorbents

Abstract Immunoadsorption (1A) therapy with tryptophan (TR-350) or phenylalanine (PH-350) adsorbents has been used to reduce the concentration of serum antibodies in human lymphocyte antigen (HLA)-immunized patients. Other forms of plasma purification have been reported to reduce the level of fibrinogen, which affects the blood properties. In this study we investigated the effects of IA therapy using both adsorbents on plasma fibrinogen and immunoglobulins G and M in 13 patients (8 patients were treated with TR-350, and 5 patients were treated with PH-350). During each session 1 plasma volume (2.8 ± 0.4 L of plasma) was processed through the immunocolumn and then returned to the patient together with the blood cells. Compared with the pretreatment values, the plasma fibrinogen, IgG, and IgM concentrations were significantly reduced after IA therapy (p < 0.01 for TR-350; p < 0.04 for PH-350). There was a positive correlation between the degree of reduction of plasma proteins and the number of IA treatments given. A nonpara-metric test (Wilcoxon's signed-rank test or the Mann-Whitney test) was used for statistical analysis. We conclude from our study that IA therapy effectively lowers the plasma levels of fibrinogen, IgG, and IgM and thus can be considered a valuable alternative to other blood purification methods.